Cooking for the Orishas: African Spirituality Beliefs and Practices, #3

By Monique Joiner Siedlak

Produce positive change in your life while you experiment with specialties from around the scattered Afro world. While eating is necessary for survival, it is symbolic and metaphoric to the Orishas. Inside you will find recipes that we already enjoy that can be prepared for the Orishas, as well as some that we can enjoy ourselves and nourish our souls.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Oshun Publications, LLC
• Release date: Mar 31, 2018
• ISBN: 9781948834254

Monique Joiner Siedlak

Monique Joiner Siedlak is a writer, witch, and warrior on a mission to awaken people to their greatest potential through the power of storytelling infused with mysticism, modern paganism, and new age spirituality. At the young age of 12, she began rigorously studying the fascinating philosophy of Wicca. By the time she was 20, she was self-initiated into the Craft, and hasn’t looked back ever since. To this day, she has authored over 35 books pertaining to the magick and mysteries of life. Her most recent publication is book one of a Wiccan series entitled “Jaeger Chronicles.” Originally from Long Island, New York, Monique is now a proud inhabitant of Northeast Florida; however, she considers herself to be a citizen of Mother Earth. When she doesn’t have a book or pen in hand, she loves exploring new places and learning new things. And being the nature lover that she is, she considers herself to be an avid animal advocate. To find out more about Monique Joiner Siedlak artistically, spiritually, and personally, feel free to visit her official website at www.mojosiedlak.com

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Introduction

Yoruba deities are called orishas, a terminology that you’re already quite familiar with by this point. However, the word deity is perhaps not the best to describe the orishas. They are not your typical supernatural beings with fearful powers but rather complex concepts that link people, objects, and special powers alike. The Yoruba people believe that an orisha is born when two elements collide: the divine power to make things happen and a natural force/divine ancestor/an object that is a witness and supporter of said changes. It’s a bit hard to wrap the head around this definition, right?

Besides referring to deities, the Yoruba people use the term orisha when talking about the head. They believe that a person has an ori (the anatomical head that we have) and an ori-inu (the internal head, which holds a person’s spirit and personality). The ori-inu is considered to be given by the supreme god, and it determines someone’s character and destiny. In the traditional Yoruba belief, the most valuable of riches is having a good head (referring to both a good mind and a good personality).

Orishas are the negotiators between the world of the humans and the supreme deity. Orishas are similar in role to the Catholic saints, but they are very human in nature. They are not an embodiment of perfection, but rather one of good and bad characteristics. They can make mistakes and misbehave. Orishas live on Earth as divine spirits, humans that ascended to divinities, or as natural elements (mountains, rivers, trees). Yoruba people also associate mundane things like numbers or pieces of clothing with specific orishas, leaving way for a whole realm of codes and messages ready to be interpreted. There are over 3,000 orishas, all of which are said to be just incarnations of the divine being Olodumare.

Creating Changes

Produce positive change in your life. While you experiment with specialties from around the Scattered Afro world

Cooking for the Orishas is not a simple task, as each one has specific preferences regarding food that he or she accepts and preparation. The cook must be well versed in these divine preferences for not committing any violation of these taboos.

Individuals are offended by animal sacrifices, in Western countries, particularly when deceased remains of animals are exposed in communities and added public places. So now, there are fewer of these manners of ritual. To be more acceptable, particular in America, Santeria has made this part of its effort.

Similar to their followers, the Orishas have their favorite foods and are tremendously delighted to have them given as offerings.

The cook should follow several adherences. In addition to familiarity and attentiveness, the cook must in addition practice immaculate hygiene. Cleanness is vital. Shower as soon as you get out of bed and before entering the kitchen. You want to have your hair up, if it is long and keep your hands and nails above all clean.

The kitchen should be impeccable. Inspect the kitchen to make certain

Reviews for Cooking for the Orishas

[aaadeliveryfl · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

All These fake people need to stop writing books on things they don’t know.